B.A. Geology and Master of Ocean Science and Technology

The Fast Track Program offers motivated and exceptional students the opportunity to achieve aspirations in an efficient program at Texas A&M, completing the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in the Department of Geology and Geophysics Geology Program and the Oceanography non-thesis Master's degree in 5 years. There will be only two courses used for dual credit in this program. There is a total of 150 hours of coursework. The concurrent degree program will enable these motivated students to coordinate the required B.A. coursework (114 undergraduate credit hours plus 6 dual credit graduate courses) and non-thesis Mater's coursework (36 credit hours including the 6 dual credit graduate courses) to complete the required credit hours for each degree without diminishing scope or quality of work and within 5 years.

Application and Eligibility:

Applications to the Fast Track program will be submitted by July 1 after the completion of the student’s junior year. Applications submitted after that time will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPR of 3.0. Applicants must also earn a C or better in all Chemistry, Calculus and Physics courses. Once admitted to the program, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPR.

A faculty advisor will be assigned to each student. Students may seek additional mentors, but a formal committee is not required.

Students admitted into the Fast Track program must finish the entire 150 credit hours to obtain both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. These students will be conferred with two degrees once they complete the 5th year of the concurrent program.

Students admitted to the program will change from U4 to G7 status when they are admitted having completed at least 102 hours (end of spring semester, year 3).

Students not accepted or not allowed to continue with the Fast Track Program will complete the 120 hour Bachelor’s degree under the standard 4 year curriculum. These students may still apply to the traditional graduate program.

Students will graduate at the completion of the 5th year in the Fast Track Program coursework (150 credit hours) with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Students will complete the coursework in May of the 5th year.